Tests Show Poisonous Traces In Prisoners' Toothpaste

State prisoners won't be allowed to use a Chinese-made toothpaste after tests showed small amounts of a poisonous compound in it. That from a prison spokesman.

The toothpaste was distributed to prisoners who couldn't afford to buy a name brand at prison stores. Officials had asked prisoners to voluntarily give it up during testing, but now are taking it away.

Spokesman George Dudley says tests show that the Pacific brand paste contained diethylene glycol. The compound is an ingredient in anti-freeze.

Dudley says that for the time being, inmates will be given Colgate toothpaste while officials decide what brand to provide for indigent prisoners.

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